Anand Ashram Foundation in Parliament of Worlds Religion

Practical lesson from Melbourne Convention: God, men and pluralism

2009-12-21T19:49:00.000-08:00

Anand Krishna , Jakarta | Mon, 12/21/2009 3:14 PM | Opinion
Source: The Jakarta Post

“You are lucky. A good hotel location, the city mosque is not far from your hotel, just walking distance,” Hassen, the maxi (not a taxi, because it could take six of us) driver greeted me as I was struggling to put on my seat belt.

Melbourne 2009 - and it was the second day of December.

What a change! I was in the city more than 20 years ago.

Then, as a businessman, and I do not remember being driven by a Hassen who would for the next half an hour brief me on the geography of the city, highlighting only such places related to the “religion of God”.

Hmm, “So, other religions are not *of’ God?”
Hassen interpreted my question as a confirmation of what he had said earlier. With an additional zeal, he repeated himself, “Yes, yes, only one religion of God.”

Does God follow any particular religion? Does he follow the religion of His own creation, or …?

Anyway, Hassen told me there was a “Biryani House” two or three blocks from my hotel.

“Very good halal food, other places not sure.” Period.

Earlier he had asked me how many days I planned to spend in the city. And I said almost 10. So, he expected me to visit the recommended Biryani House every day, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Excellent!

I could understand Hassen better when he told me he came from Jeddah. Of course, I should have guessed earlier.

For the Arabs of the desert, uniformity is a virtue. With the lowest level of biodiversity, and a similar geographical terrain, the Middle East is one shining example of uniformity.

It should not surprise us, therefore, that they can live with two colors, white for men and black for women.

“When did you come here?” I asked Hassen.

“Year 2000,” his answer surprised me. I had to continue our conversation, and ask him, “Why should a Saudi Hassen come to Australia to work, while the Saudi sheiks and emirs employ people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia?”

He showed displeasure at my remark, “I am not Saudi. I live in Saudi Arabia. I am Arab.” Politics. Yes, yes, yes, it was stupid of me to refer to him as a Saudi. Not all Arabs living in Saudi Arabia (the Arabia “belonging” to the family of Saud) were Saudis, or belonged to the Bedouin tribe.

(Not unusual, indeed, very universal - it happens everywhere, including in my country.)

“But, I am happy here. I can guide *our people’ who come here, just like you, and get blessings from God.” Oh yes, sure.

God, the Supreme Guide blesses us all, what to say of guides then - professional solidarity.

Hassen’s sense of division between “our” people and “others” was very Arabic, and was interestingly similar to the stance of former US President Bush: “If you are not with us, then you are with them.”

“But, why are you here?” Hassen must have guessed that I was certainly not on a business trip with 11 others, and dressed rather too casually for business travelers.

“We are here to attend the Parliament of World’s Religions Convention,” I answered.

“Oh, religions,” he did not approve of the word “religions” - particularly the “s” attached to the word. He shrugged his shoulders, “well, you see, they have all kinds of conferences here.

“Like, next year, they have the conference of atheists. All of them are the same. They do not follow the religion of God.”

Okay, Hassen. I agree and disagree with you. Or, perhaps I do not see things the way you do, my dear Hassen.

It does not make sense to me if God has a religion. It makes more sense to me if the various religions are made (by whoever) to guide humankind to God.

Anyway, I must leave you, Hassen, with your understanding of God and religion. Your understanding is as good to you, as my understanding to me.

But, the conference of atheists he mentioned sounded interesting! So, I did some quick Internet research. Indeed so, Melbourne is to host the Global Atheist Convention in March 2010.

I salute your broadmindedness, Australia! After all “atheism” is an “ism” too. We can accept all other “isms”, so why not athe-”ism”? After all, atheists have a belief system too, as we, who consider ourselves as theists, do. We believe in God, they believe in no God.

My research also revealed another interesting fact. Ever since the Australian census introduced the instruction “if no religion, write none” in 1971, the number of Australians stating they had no religion has increased seven fold. The 2006 census showed 3,700,000 (19 percent) belonging to this category.

A further 11 percent failed to state whether they followed any religion (Source: Herald Sun).

That however does not make Australians less human. I was rather amused to find newspaper ads like the following:

“There are no pockets in heaven. Give now.” It was a call for donations to support a 24/7 telephone counseling service for the seriously ill and those who care for them.

But what truly impressed me was that the paper had supported the color advertisement (The Age, Dec. 2, 2009).

I wondered how many papers in my country would run such complimentary ads as part of their social responsibility programs.

And, how many of our clergies would be courageous enough to “openly” agree and defend such ads? In our country, ads like “donate here, get the benefit there” are more common.

One such ad I saw on my way to Soekarno-Hatta airport a day earlier in fact stipulated the benefit, as also the cause for donation, “Build a House for God here, and Reserve a Mansion in Heaven”. Great!

The second ad, “Give good karma this Christmas”, was equally impressive, and also supported by the paper. This was a call to donate for “Mosquito Nets for Africa”, “Glasses for a Child,” and “Save Orangutan Habitat”.

Karma and Christmas rhyme as do Krishna and Christ, or Ram and Rahim. But, the question is, how many men of religion in my country would be willing to speak on Karma and Christmas with equal appreciation?

Melbourne, and the Parliament of World’s Religions, where humankind meets - right place for the right cause.

But, wait, what is it on the television. Gang rape, three boys caught, seven others are still at large. Melbourne, O Melbourne, you are but like all other cities.

And, I hear someone whispering, “This is why conventions are still needed. But, don’t you stop at that. Resolutions must be realized, not merely recorded!” Indeed, Amen.

Anand Krishna at the Parliament

2009-12-20T08:53:00.000-08:00

Dada Jashan P Vaswani Spiritual head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission in Pune, India

Yasus of Jamaica

Richard Prideaux Teacher at Beaconhills College, Berwick, Melbourne

Edward Hubbard Clergy member of the Correllian Nativist tradition and a public religious educator

Naresh Jain, Member of the Parliament Board of Trustees

a Professor from Iran

Member

Members of Our Delegation Interacting with World Leaders

2009-12-20T08:34:00.000-08:00

Abdul Malik Mujahid, recently elected as the CHAIR of the Board of Trustees of the Council for the PARLIAMENT OF WORLD'S RELIGIONS.

Maya with Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia

Michael Beckwith of Agape Church ("The Secret" Fame)

16 Desember 2009 - Parliament of The World's Religions

2009-12-18T01:21:00.000-08:00

Anand Krishna & Friends di D FM 103.4 Jakarta pukul 06.30 s/d 07.30 membahas tentang "Parliament of The World's Religions".

Merupakan kunjungan Bapak Anand Krishna ke Melbourne sebagai Duta Besa Besar dari Parliament of The Wolrd's Religions 2009 yang diadakan di Melbourne, Australia. Berangkat bersama beberapa teman seperti Dr. Made Arya Wardhana, Dian Martin & Ibu Maya Safira Muchtar. Dan mereka akan berbagai di acara talkshow kali ini.

Klik di sini untuk mendengarkan

Pre-Parliament : My Religion is not better than yours

2009-12-17T23:05:00.000-08:00

Presentation

2009-12-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

Presentation

Book Launching "One Earth, One Sky, One Humankind"

Participants (Full House, we had to add extra chairs with several still standing at the back!)

Book Signing

2009-12-17T00:35:00.000-08:00

Anand Krishna has been a 2009 Ambassador since August of 2009, and in that time he has spoken to over 10,000 people about the work of the Council and the 2009 Parliament. An Indonesian national of Indian descent, Anand is an author, educator and spiritual leader seeking to explore and expand the role meditation plays in the world’s great faiths and religions. He has written over 110 books within last 10 years with more than half a million copies sold all over Indonesia.

As a 2009 Ambassador, Anand Krishna has actively promoted the Council and the 2009 Parliament through the use of the Ambassador toolkit resources in hosting Pre-Parliament events, writing and responding to blogs, facebook messages and forwading email blasts to oer 2,000 recipients. Through his Anand Ashram Foundation, Anand has organized an exuberant series of events in promotion of the Melbourne Parliament of Religions. The events took place in Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Bali and included peace campaigns, interfaith harmony meetings and expositions. . Anand describes of his role as a 2009 Ambassador as being “a fulfillment of a dream.”

Anand Krishna has also published an opinion piece in the Jakarta Post, which is Indonesia’s largest English-language newspaper. The argument jumps right into the dilemmas posed by religious radicalism and terrorism and calls on the Melbourne Parliament of Religions to encourage real progress and interreligious harmony.

JAKARTA

Exposition in Jakarta, September 1, 2009, attended by more than 600 participants, with General (ret.) Hendropriyono former chief of national intelligence as Guest of Honor. Also attending the event were the Director General of Immigration, veteran artist Selamet Raharjo and others.
Peace Campaign at National Monument Grounds, September 5, 2009, attended by about 5000 participants.
Interfaith Harmony Meetings, Every fortnight on Saturday evenings. Attendance is usually 120 - 150.
Peace Campaigns,, Every fortnight on Sunday mornings. Attendance is usually 4000 - 5000.

YOGYAKARTA

Interfaith Harmony Meetings, Every fortnight on Saturday evenings. Attendance is usually 120 - 150.
Peace Campaigns, Every fortnight on Sunday mornings. Attendance is usually 800 - 1000.

BALI

Exposition in Bali, September 21, 2009, attended by about 200 participants.
Interfaith Harmony Meetings, Every fortnight on Saturday evenings. Attendance is usually 120 - 150.
Peace Campaigns, Every fortnight on Sunday mornings. Attendance is usually 1000 - 1500.

Pre-Parliament : Anand Ashram's Activities

2009-12-16T23:51:00.000-08:00

Global interfaith harmony

2009-12-16T23:21:00.000-08:00

About 60 years ago, then president Sukarno scoffed at Indian shopkeepers in India who took pride in displaying their religion on their signboards, "Hindu Tea Stall", "Muslim Restaurant", and so on and so forth.

Around the same time, then president Radhakrishnan of India was amazed at how we on the archipelago had preserved our culture and traditions, deeply rooted in the ancient Indus Valley civilization, irrespective of our religious affiliations.

That was a reality then, but a myth now.

Now, the hard reality is that a notorious cleric, totally ignorant of our age-old traditions and culture, can publicly make the threat that suicide bombings will continue if we do not adopt a sharia-based government system.

The intensified police efforts to curb terrorism are not blessed by this purported man of God. Instead, he blesses the suicide bombers and calls them martyrs. In his own words, "I don't absolutely blame bombers in Indonesia, because their goal is good, namely to defend Islam."

Such view is in clear contrast with what Mahatma Gandhi believed in: "Terrorism and deception are weapons not of the strong but of the weak. A religious act cannot be performed with aid of the bayonet or the bomb."

Another hard fact is that our government feels helpless in dealing with this one single man's notoriety, which has already tarnished our country's image. Or perhaps he is not a single man after all. Perhaps there are others behind him. Or a number of political parties, some influential people up there, forces outside the country - who are they?

A former high officio tells me that is not the case. So what is the case? "It's the political will. There is no political will to put an end to all this." Perhaps.

Our learned analysts and scholars argue that fanaticism, radicalism and terrorism are not the same. "Not all radicals," they argue, "are terrorists."

As mentioned by Prof. Greg Barton, in his well-researched book, Jamaah Islamiyah: Radical Islamism in Indonesia, our notorious cleric is also reported to have said, "I make many knives, I sell many knives, but I am not responsible for how they are used."

The moderate clerics maintain that terrorism and violence have nothing to do with religion. They carefully avoid discussing the issue of growing fanaticism. They would not echo with Gandhi, "A fanaticism that refuses to discriminate is the negation of all ideals."

Speaking in international forums, the leaders of our religious institutions are reluctant to admit that growing fanaticism and radicalism have divided our society, where interfaith harmony had never been an issue to discuss, but a way of life to practice.

We did not have interfaith groups earlier, but we had interfaith harmony. This was a reality back then, and a myth now. Now, the reality is that we have several interfaith groups, but no interfaith harmony.

Like it or not, religion has been used to justify acts of terror. Religion has been presented in such a way, and by its own followers, that it has lost both its meaning and its utility as a uniting force.

It is against this backdrop that, in December this year, the Parliament of the World's Religions will meet in Melbourne, Australia.

We may recall that back in 1893, the parliament met for the first time in Chicago. Vivekananda (1863-1902), one of the speakers who was to become the star then, firmly believed that, "sectarianism, bigotry and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful Earth. They have filled the Earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now."

He hoped the convention might toll the "death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal".

More than a century later, his hope remains a hope and a dream to realize. The conference in Melbourne later this year, therefore, is not only timely, but also urgent and imperative. However, more important is the meeting of our minds and hearts. More urgent is our willingness to be honest and truthful in what we say and what we do. More imperative is the change of the paradigm of a mere tolerance. We have to learn to appreciate the differences between us.

We have to work on our individual belief systems and mental complexes. Can we change our slogans from "my religion is the best" or "my religion is the only solution" to "my religion is not better than yours"? This will bring an end to all our religious and religion-based conflicts, competitions and acts of conversion.

To my friends who still endorse fanaticism toward one's religion, I must use harsher words this time: your endorsement is not only unhealthy, but also dangerous.

Consider the fanatics who have been, and still are, hiding the terrorists in the name of religion. They are not terrorists. They are only fanatics, and perhaps not even radicals. Yet they pose a danger to society and the nation.

As long as fanaticism and radicalism are not eradicated, terrorism will continue. And interfaith harmony shall remain a dream.

I look forward to the meeting in Melbourne, as I also look forward to its outcome. The options are limited - either we continue having dialogues, or really come together, work for world peace and serve the world community as one unit: One Earth, One Sky and One Humankind.

The writer is a spiritual activist, writer of more than 130 books in Indonesian and English. He is scheduled to speak at the 2009 conference in Melbourne and has been nominated as an ambassador based on his interfaith involvement and significant contributions to the interfaith movement.

Anand Krishna , Jakarta Sun, 09/06/2009 12:35 PM

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/09/06/global-interfaith-harmony.html

RI, the parliament of world religions and climate change

2009-12-16T22:37:00.000-08:00

Simultaneously this December two major international conferences are taking place. One The Copenhagen Climate Change Conference where the world's political leaders meet focusing on our external environment and the serious challenges posed by global warming.

The other occurring on Indonesia's doorstep sees Melbourne hosting 8000 people at a meeting of the Parliament of World Religions with a focus on man's inner environment in the face of humanities multiple challenges in an increasingly interdependent world.

That these two events take place at the same time may seem a coincidence but the link between spirit and soul and the environment or atmosphere has always been acknowledged.

The holy books, prophets, great art and plain common sense are all evidence of this connection. While the last 400 years has seen this link somewhat blurred by elements of science and its focus on the mind and materialism, this like climate, is changing.

Simply using the lens of etymology we see most of the established languages attesting to the earlier strength of the link.

Greek, Latin, Hebrew and others had similar words for spirit and breath, soul and air. Closer to home Sanskrit which had a role in the development of Bahasa Indonesia had a word *Atman' which is the root for the English word atmosphere.

The word *Atman' has multiple meanings, air, breath and soul.

I have no doubt that among the hundreds of indigenous languages of Indonesia this same connection can be found. The parallel exists in many of the Native American Indian languages.

The Copenhagen conference has received much attention in the Indonesian media, rightly so as Indonesia is home to one of the world's critical lungs, the threatened tropical rainforests.

The Parliament of World Religions (PWR) on the other hand has been conspicuously absent from news reporting in Indonesia, despite the fact that Indonesia has a multi-faith constitution and the world's largest Muslim population.

Although certain to have some Indonesia representation its unlikely that many will attend.

The PWR is the world's largest inter-faith gathering held only once in every five years. The parliament, open to all will consist of many of the world's religious, spiritual and indigenous leaders together with men and women of all ages from around the world.

Their aim is to cultivate harmony amongst the world's religious and spiritual communities. The week long gathering commencing on the 3rd of December will feature 500 different events, including lectures, dialogues, workshops, performances and exhibitions.

The theme of this years parliament is "Make a World of Difference" "Hearing each other and Healing the earth".

In addition to the climate change issue, key topics to be discussed in an open forum include, sharing wisdom in the search for inner peace, creating social cohesion in the pursuit of justice, reconciliation with indigenous people and overcoming poverty in a patriarchal world.

This historic event aims to be a festival of Unity in Diversity (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika), Indonesia's national motto. One is led to wonder if the parliament which has never met in Asia might one day meet here in Indonesia.

This multi-faith nation with it's strong spiritual underpinnings and tradition of synthesis accommodation, understanding of spiritual diversity and the individual's unique ability and right to receive grace has the potential to lead the development of a new paradigm in facing the spiritual crisis that besets this world.

Recent events here and the impact of inter-religious conflicts in other countries have eroded some of Indonesia's leverage in this sphere. Much as the destruction of rainforest's constrains Indonesia's influence and ability to play a major part in the climate change debate.

It's not too late however for Indonesia has just re-elected a president with an enlarged mandate obviously keen to see Indonesia playing an important part on the world stage.

These two major international issues climate change & religious harmony obviously present Indonesia, the president and people with an exciting opportunity.

Well thought out constructive policies in both these areas would gain much domestic support and see Indonesia's international profile considerably enhanced. It will need vision, expertise and serious commitment.

There are numerous reasons for Indonesia, to host the World Parliament of Religions.

Murray Clapham , Jakarta Tue, 11/24/2009 12:56 PM

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/11/24/ri-parliament-world-religions-and-climate-change.html

Pancasila dan Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Atasi Radikalisme Agama di Indonesia

2009-12-16T22:23:00.000-08:00

MELBOURNE, KOMPAS.com - Pancasila dan Bhinneka Tunggal Ika berperan penting dalam melestarikan keragaman budaya dan agama, serta memelihara perdamaian dan harmoni di Indonesia. Anand Krishna dan Maya Safira Muchtar dari Yayasan Anand Ashram mengungkapkan hal ini dalam Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009 di Melbourne, Australia.

Menurut Anand Krishna, sila pertama Pancasila yakni Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa, menjamin kebebasan baik para pemeluk agama dan aliran kepercayaan, maupun tidak, untuk beribadah (ataupun untuk tidak beribadah) sesuai dengan agama dan sistem kepercayaan masing-masing. "Semboyan negara Bhinneka Tunggal Ika sebenarnya lebih dari sekedar makna ‘persatuan,’ tapi merupakan apresiasi dari keragaman itu sendiri, melihat keragaman sebagai suatu keindahan daripada sebuah perbedaan belaka," kata Anand Krishna, yang ditunjuk sebagai Duta Besar Lintas Agama sejak akhir Agustus 2009 lalu.

Dalam acara di Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009 di Melbourne itu, Anand dan Maya Safira mempresentasikan “Mengapresiasi dan Membudayakan Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Persatuan dalam Keragaman) dan Pancasila untuk Mengatasi Radikalisme Agama di Indonesia”.

Anand Krishna menceritakan sejarah dari kepulauan dan kearfian lokal Indonesia yang mempunyai kemiripan akar budaya dengan peradaban kuno India dan Asia Tenggara. Krishna juga berbicara tentang Australia dan keterlibatan Raja Kubera dari Astraleh (Australia di masa lampau) dalam keterlibatan cerita epik Ramayana. Raja Kubera adalah saudara laki-laki dari Raja Ravana (kebalikan dari saudara laki-lakinya yang tidak baik, Kubera adalah raja yang baik). Australia telah menjadi teman yang baik bagi Indonesia untuk millenium ini, dan hal ini seharusnya berlanjut -- walaupun tidak terbatas – dalam memerangi radikalisme beragama bagi perdamaian dan kesejahteraan wilayah.

Anand Krishna mengkritisi kebijakan dan pengaruh negara-negara petrodollar yang telah mengikis budaya-budaya lokal Indonesia, dan menggantinya dengan budaya-budaya keras yang sama sekali tidak menghormati apresiasi terhadap keragaman. "Hukum Syariat di Aceh adalah salah satu contoh. Fenomena ini sama sekali tidak membantu perdamaian bagi keseluruhan negara. Kebenaran sejarah menceritakan bagaimana Aceh pernah mengalami masa-masa damai ketika diurus oleh para wanita. Selama pemerintahan empat Sultan Aceh di masa lampau, Aceh mengalami masa-masa kejayaan dan perdamaian, dengan menerima secara terbuka semua orang dari berbagai latar belakang etnis dan kepercayaan yang mengunjungi tanah Aceh," ungkap Anand kepada sekitar 100 peserta dari berbagai negara, etnik, agama, tradisi dari seluruh dunia.

Tidak ada kaitan dengan agama
Krishna menegaskan, naiknya data konflik beragama di Indonesia ini sebenarnya tidak ada kaitannya dengan agama. “Apa yang terjadi di Indonesia sekarang ini adalah pertikaian antara para radikal melawan mereka yang mempertahankan budaya Indonesia. Dan kekuatan di balik semua ini adalah uang dan akhirnya kekuasaan, yang mengalir dari Amerika Serikat dan baru-baru ini juga dari Arab Saudi," jelasnya.

Sebagai tindakan penyeimbang, Anand Krishna menyarankan sebuah seruan bersahabat kepada para pemimpin agama untuk tidak mempromosikan upaya pergantian agama yang dapat menciptakan ketidaksenangan dan keradikalan.

Krishna juga tidak lupa menjelaskan pentingnya Tibet bagi Indonesia. Hubungan antarkedua negara sudah terjalin sejak lebih dari seribu tahun yang lalu ketika Dharmakirti Swarnadwipi dari Sriwijaya (sekarang Sumatera) mengajarkan muridnya Asiha dari Tibet teknik Meditasi Tong Len (Terima dan Kasih)

Pembicara kedua dari Indonesia, Maya Muchtar juga memberikan sudut pandang pada keragaman beragama di Indonesia. “Sayangnya, kata harmoni tidak dipraktikkan sebagaimana mestinya di Indonesia,” katanya. “ Untuk mempromosikan nilai-nilai perdamaian sejati dari Islam, Maya bersama teman-temannya telah membentuk “The Islamic Movement for Non Violence” (Gerakan Islam Anti Kekerasan).

Ditegaskannya, Pancasila lebih dari sekaar ideologi. "Pancasila adalah saripati dari kearifan lokal budaya-budaya yang ada di Indonesia. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika adalah pengingat bagi kita semua untuk mengapresiasikan keberagaman kita melalui Cinta. Tidak ada cara lain. Cinta, dan kebangkitan dari Pancasila serta Bhinneka Tunggal Ika adalah jalan satu-satunya untuk menyelamatkan Indonesia dari kehancuran dan memulihkan kembali negara ini seperti yang telah diimpikan oleh para pendiri bangsa ini. Bila, Dunia Internasional memulai untuk mengapresiasi nilai-nilai universal dari Pancasila dan Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, maka kita berharap Indonesia juga akan melakukan hal yang sama," tandasnya.

Senin, 7 Desember 2009 19:13 WIB
Source: http://nasional.kompas.com/read/xml/2009/12/07/19132031/pancasila.dan.bhinneka.tunggal.ika.atasi.radikalisme.agama.di.indonesia.

Keberagaman Budaya Bangsa Indonesia

2009-12-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

VIVAnews - Sesuatu yang baru dari Indonesia telah ditawarkan di Melbourne pada gelaran Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009 ketika Anand Krishna dan Maya Safira Muchtar dari Yayasan Anand Ashram mempresentasikan “Mengapresiasi dan Membudayakan Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Persatuan dalam Keragaman) dan Pancasila untuk mengatasi Radikalisme agama di Indonesia”.

Pada mulanya, Anand Krishna menceritakan sejarah dari Kepulauan dan kearfian lokal Indonesia yang mempunyai kemiripan akar budaya dengan peradaban kuno India dan Asia Tenggara. Pak Krishna juga berbicara tentang Australia dan keterlibatan Raja Kubera dari Astraleh (Australia di masa lampau) dalam keterlibatan cerita epik Ramayana.

Raja Kubera adalah saudara laki-laki dari Raja Ravana (kebalikan dari saudara laki-lakinya yang tidak baik, Kubera adalah raja yang baik). Australia telah menjadi teman yang baik bagi Indonesia untuk millenium ini, dan hal ini seharusnya berlanjut -- walaupun tidak terbatas – dalam memerangi radikalisme beragama bagi perdamaian dan kesejahteraan wilayah.

Lalu Anand Krishna secara menyeluruh menjelaskan pentingnya Pancasila dan Bhinneka Tunggal Ika dalam melestarikan keragaman budaya dan agama Indonesia, serta memelihara perdamaian dan harmoni di negara tersebut.

Beliau secara khusus menekankan sila pertama, yakni Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa, yang menjamin kebebasan baik para pemeluk agama/aliran kepercayaan, maupun tidak, untuk beribadah (ataupun untuk tidak beribadah) sesuai dengan agama/sistem kepercayaan masing-masing.

Lebih lanjut, semboyan negara Bhinneka Tunggal Ika sebenarnya lebih dari sekedar makna ‘persatuan,’ tapi merupakan apresiasi dari keragaman itu sendiri, melihat keragaman sebagai suatu keindahan daripada sebuah perbedaan belaka.

Anand Krishna juga mengkritisi (kebijakan dan pengaruh) negara-negara petrodollar (seperti Saudi) yang telah mengikis budaya-budaya lokal Indonesia, dan menggantinya dengan budaya-budaya keras yang sama sekali tidak menghormati apresiasi terhadap keragaman.

Hukum Syariat di Aceh adalah salah satu contoh dari pengaruh yang melanggar dari Saudi Arabia, dan fenomena ini sama sekali tidak membantu perdamaian bagi keseluruhan negara. Kebenaran sejarah menceritakan bagaimana Aceh pernah mengalami masa-masa damai ketika diurus oleh para wanita.

Selama pemerintahan empat Sultana Aceh di masa lampau, Aceh mengalami masa-masa kejayaan dan perdamaian, dengan menerima secara terbuka semua orang dari berbagai latar belakang etnis dan kepercayaan yang mengunjungi tanah Aceh.

Pak Krishna lebih lanjut meminta saudara-saudari Muslim untuk memahami bahwa apa yang terjadi di Indonesia bukanlah perang terhadap Islam. Sangatlah penting ketika umat muslim Indonesia tidak salah mengindentifikasi diri mereka sendiri.

Berlawanan dengan kebijakan pemerintah kami, Indonesia tidak pernah dan tidak akan pernah menjadi sebuah negara Muslim. Tapi Indonesia juga bukanlah sebuah negara sekular. Indonesia adalah, dan akan selalu menjadi sebuah negara spiritual.

Karena itulah, Pak Krishna menegaskan bahwa naiknya data konflik beragama di kepulauan ini sebenarnya tidak ada kaitannya dengan agama. “Apa yang terjadi di Indonesia sekarang ini adalah pertikaian antara para radikal melawan mereka yang mempertahankan budaya Indonesia,” beliau menjelaskan kepada para peserta dari berbagai negara, etnik dan agama/tradisi yang ada di dunia ini, yang memenuhi 100 tempat duduk di ruangan pertemuan ini.

Dan kekuatan di balik semua ini adalah Uang (dan akhirnya Kekuasaan), yang mengalir dari Amerika Serikat dan baru-baru ini juga dari Arab Saudi.

Sebagai tindakan penyeimbang, Anand Krishna menyarankan sebuah seruan bersahabat kepada para pemimpin agama untuk tidak mempromosikan upaya pergantian agama yang dapat menciptakan ketidaksenangan dan keradikalan.

Pak Krishna juga tidak lupa menjelaskan pentingnya Tibet bagi Indonesia. Hubungan antara ke-2 negara sudah terjalin sejak lebih dari seribu tahun yang lalu ketika Dharmakirti Swarnadwipi dari Sriwijaya (sekarang Sumatera) mengajarkan muridnya Asiha dari Tibet teknik Meditasi Tong Len (Terima dan Kasih)

Pembicara ke-2, Saudari Maya Muchtar juga memberikan sudut pandang pada keragaman beragama di Indonesia. “Sayangnya, kata harmoni tidak dipraktekkan sebagaimana mestinya di Indonesia,” katanya. “Jika saya adalah seorang Muslim yang ingin mengucapkan Selamat Natal kepada kaum Kristen, saya tidak dapat melakukan hal itu karena para ulama melarangnya.”

Adalah suatu fakta yang menyedihkan ketika Sdri. Muchtar menjelaskan lebih lanjut bahwa hanya ada 17% kaum radikal di Indonesia. Tapi, mereka sangat vokal dan jumlah mereka semakin bertambah, terutama melalui sekolah-sekolah dan universitas-universitas, serta karena sistem pendidikan Indonesia yang tidak seimbang.

Islam adalah agama yang damai, “salaam” berarti damai. Menjadi seorang wanita muslim, Maya juga menyuarakan keprihatinannya pada kewajiban dan tekanan bagi seorang wanita Indonesia untuk mengenakan kerudung, daripada sesuatu yang seharusnya muncul dari kesadaran. Bila ini diabaikan, maka mereka akan dikucilkan dari masyarakat.

“Tidak ada yang salah ketika seorang wanita ingin mengenakan kerudung, tapi ketika dirinya melakukan hal itu karena diharuskan, atau karena alasan ‘lebih suci dari yang lain’ daripada karena datang dari kesadaran diri, maka hal ini adalah salah,” Maya menegaskan.

Untuk mempromosikan nilai-nilai perdamaian sejati dari Islam, Maya bersama teman-temannya telah membentuk “The Islamic Movement for Non Violence” (Gerakan Islam Anti Kekerasan). Saudari Muchtar juga menjelaskan bahwa bila seseorang tidak menganut salah satu dari 5 agama utama di Indonesia, maka orang itu tidak akan mendapat tempat di negara ini.

“Kita sedang melobi sebuah hukum nasional khusus yang akan melindungi semua agama dan tradisi yang telah ada di dunia ini, sehingga setiap pemeluk dari setiap kepercayaan di dunia ini akan selalu diterima secara resmi di Indonesia dan dilindungi oleh pemerintah.”

Dan kembali pada topik apa saja peranan dari Pancasila dan Bhinneka Tunggal Ika dalam melestarikan keberagaman di Indonesia? Lebih dari sekedar ideologi, Pancasila adalah saripati dari kearifan lokal budaya-budaya yang ada di Indonesia.

Bhinneka Tunggal Ika adalah pengingat bagi kita semua untuk mengapresiasikan keberagaman kita melalui Cinta. Tidak ada cara lain. Cinta, dan kebangkitan dari Pancasila serta Bhinneka Tunggal Ika adalah jalan satu-satunya untuk menyelamatkan Indonesia dari kehancuran dan memulihkan kembali negara ini seperti yang telah diimpikan oleh para pendiri bangsa ini.

Bila, Dunia Internasional memulai untuk mengapresiasi nilai-nilai universal dari Pancasila dan Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, maka kita berharap Indonesia juga akan melakukan hal yang sama.

Paula Dewi Kamis, 10 Desember 2009, 14:18 WIB

Source: http://ureport.vivanews.com/news/read/112814-keberagaman_budaya_bangsa_indonesia

Pre-Parliament : Talk Show on Dewata TV (Bali)

2009-12-16T21:47:00.000-08:00